Lamb and Shrimp Kebabs

By zeenieme

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 lb boneless leg of lamb or top round, cut into 1" cubes
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt, divided
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup coarsely grated red onion
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• Vegetable oil (for brushing)
• Red Harissa
• 24 short flat wooden skewers to grill the kebabs.

Preparation

Step 1

Chill lamb in freezer for 10 minutes. Place in a food processor and pulse until finely ground. Transfer to a large bowl.

Sprinkle 1 teaspoon salt over garlic and chop, occasionally smearing mixture with side of knife, until paste forms. Mix garlic, pepper and remaining 1 teaspoon salt into lamb, blending well. Add shrimp, mix to combine.

Measure 2 tablespoons lamb mixture; roll between your palms to form a 2" long oval. Slide skewer halfway into lamb mixture, pressing to adhere. Repeat with remaining lamb mixture and skewers. Do Ahead: Can be made 6 hours ahead. Cover and chill.

Build a medium-hot fire in a charcoal grill or heat a gas grill to high. Brush kebabs with oil and grill, turning occasionally, until nicely charred and just cooked through, about 6 minutes per side. Serve with Red Harissa

Red Harissa - Makes about 3 cups

3 large red bell peppers
2 1/2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
4 garlic cloves, crushed
2 red jalapenos or Fresno chiles, stemmed, seeded, chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more for seasoning
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus more for seasoning
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil.

Roast peppers in broiler or directly over gas flame, turning occasionally, until charred all over. Transfer to a large bowl, cover and let stand 15 minutes. Stem, peel, and seed peppers, coarsely chop.

Place peppers, next 4 ingredients, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a food processor. Puree until very smooth. With machine running, gradually add oil. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper, if desired.